MELAKA, Oct 4 (Bernama) — Melaka is set to introduce its newest eco-tourism product, bird watching, at the Taman Mutiara swamp area in Batu Berendam, here, which is a habitat for about 3,000 birds from 16 species including herons.
State Tourism, Heritage and Culture Committee chairman, Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis said among the bird species identified were the Black-Crowned Night Heron, Purple Heron, Asian Openbill, Great Egret, Javan Myna, Cinnamon Bittern and Lesser Coucal.
He said the bird species were identified by a representative of the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) and the birds have been coming to the area since May, making the area their habitat.
“We plan to turn the area into our new tourism product by organising bird watching activities to draw not only tourists but also local and foreign bird and photography enthusiasts.
“So far, we have the ‘raptor watch’ which is an eco-tourism product involving popular migratory birds in Tanjung Tuan and this new product will offer one more attraction to the Melaka tourism sector,” he said at a press conference, here, today.
He said a detailed discussion on various aspects including legislation would be conducted involving various parties including the Tourism Promotion Division (BPP), Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MOHTJ) and the relevant landowners to realise the effort.
He also said that the area would be turned into a conservation hub for the birds in an effort to preserve and protect these birds from human threats or development.
Muhammad Jailani said a sub-committee had been formed to monitor the area to prevent activities that could disturb the habitat or any invasion by irresponsible parties.
Meanwhile, he said a bird photography competition in conjunction with the Bird Watching Programme @ Taman Mutiara, Batu Berendam would be organised with the cooperation of Hotel 906 Premier Melaka. Registration is for a month from Oct 7 to Nov 7.
“The competition themed, ‘Save The Birds, Protect Their Habitats’, is offering a total cash prize of RM7,000 consisting of three main prizes which are RM1,500 for each winner and RM500 as each of the five consolation prizes.
“The competition is organised to create and foster awareness in the community to preserve and protect the bird habitats, as well turning the area into a photography haven. This contest is open to all and there is no registration fee charged,” he added.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency